Monday, November 4, 2013

Prudence

The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it. Proverbs 22:3 
 
Prudence means implementing and applying good, logical, and just judgment to situations in order to help avoid error and problems. It is associated with wisdom, insight and knowledge. It is not being a “prude” that often used as an insult for those who wish to avoid sexuality or reservations about drinking alcoholic beverages. 

The prudent person, like Jesus, uses their wisdom and knowledge to make good judgments about situations—even those that may have evil connotations. Jesus confronted evil. In Mark 5:8-9… For He had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" And He was asking him, "What is your name?" And he said to Him, "My name is Legion; for we are many." Jesus cast those demons into a nearby herd of swine. Another time He confronted Peter as recorded in Matthew 16:23 … But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."  

Training Tip – Talk to your family about recognizing good and evil. It is important that your children know how to tell the difference between good and evil—and to make good decisions involving situations. Set up some role playing situations appropriate to their ages and help them see how making good decisions are important. Choose wisely. That is what the prudent person does. 

Lord god, help my children and grandchildren to make good decisions, day by day, moment by moment.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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